Melting the Snow Chapter 4: Apology, a yu-gi-oh fanfic

Melting the Snow

Alright, I'm back with yet another chapter of my ever so awesome story. I would have had this chapter up sooner, but I was having some trouble figuring out how I wanted the next scene to go. Once again, I got some awesome advice from Sakurelle. Thanks again, buddy o'mine!

So, here's a quick recap of the last chapter: Kaiba was in his office trying to figure out how to apologize to Ari, without really apologizing. Ari got to work, and found that she had an e-mail telling her she was wanted up in Kaiba's office as soon as she got the message. This is going to get kind of interesting, isn't it? Lol!

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh or any of its original characters, but Ari, Kenta, and this plot are mine, so don't steal them.

Okay, folks, now it's time to find out what's going to happen next!

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Chapter 4

Ari clenched and unclenched her fists repeatedly as she walked down the hall towards the elevators once more. Her palms were sweaty and she was barely able to keep herself from panicking.

When she finally reached the elevators again, she pressed the call button with a trembling finger. As she waited, she once again began to wonder why Mr. Kaiba would want to see her again so soon. She hadn't been planning on leaving early, after all she had told him she wouldn't, and she always kept her word. She couldn't think of anything else she'd done that might have angered him.

She jumped with surprise as the elevator doors opened. Still lost in thought, she stepped through the opening and pressed the button for the top floor. She was trembling as the elevator slowly ascended.

I can't lose this job, she thought, I can't lose this job. I need this job.

Her head filled with images of what could happen if she got fired.

She might not be able to get another job.

She wouldn't be able to able to make enough money to support herself and Kenta.

They would both end up on the streets.

Kenta could end up dead.

Ari paled at this thought. She couldn't lose another member of her family. She would absolutely shatter. Her world would be gone forever.

She shook these dark thoughts from her head. She couldn't just lose faith like that. If she had given up like that when her parents were killed, she wouldn't be even remotely close to where she had gotten.

As the doors opened again, she took a deep breath, mentally bracing herself as she stepped into the long hallway that led to Mr. Kaiba's office. She walked towards the large oak door briskly, wanting to get this over with as soon as possible, whether the outcome be bad or good.

When she reached the door, she raised her clenched fist up to knock, hesitating for only a second. Shaking her head firmly, she knocked on the door tentatively. For a moment, there was nothing but silence from the other side. Then, a cold voice answered.

"Come in."

Ari opened the door and slid into the office quietly.

"You wanted to see me, sir?"

Seto turned his chair around to look at her. He instantly felt a little guilty. Though she was obviously trying to hide it, she was definitely scared. Her face was pale, and as he watched, a single drop of sweat slid down the side of her face.

Steeling himself once again, he gave her a mild glare. He got up from his chair and walked over to the window, looking out over Domino City.

Ari, meanwhile, was definitely a nervous wreck. Despite her efforts, she could not keep out the negative thoughts that had plagued her in the elevator. And to make matters worse, her boss still hadn't said a word. Her nerves were very close to the breaking point.

Suddenly, his voice broke through her scattered thoughts and called her back to reality.

"I understand you have a little brother," he said mildly.

Ari started. How could he possibly know about Kenta?

Seeing his glare settle on her once again, she calmed herself down enough to answer.

"Um, y-yes, I do have one younger brother," she managed to stutter.

"I also understand that the reason you have been leaving work early was because you were picking him up from school," he stated simply, raising an eyebrow at her startled expression, "Am I right?"

Ari was absolutely flabbergasted.

"H-how did you know about that?!" she gasped finally.

"Does it really matter?" he asked.

She stood there, mouth agape, just staring in shock.

Seto sighed. "If you must know," he told her, "I have a little brother as well. He goes to the same school as your brother does. His name is Kenta, right?"

Unable to speak, Ari just nodded.

"I also know that you two are the only family the other has, correct?"

He instantly regretted bringing it up. Ari clamped her mouth shut and lowered her face, but not in time to stop Seto from seeing the flash of sorrow and pain in her eyes.

"Anyway," he continued, "Seeing as you are-"

He stopped for a moment, considering what he had planned to say

"-his legal guardian, and must be there to pick him up from school, I have reconsidered my decision about your leaving early."

Ari looked up, a glimmer of hope in her eyes, showing through the remaining sorrow.

Seto took a deep breath. "If it is to pick up your little brother, then I will allow you to leave early."

Her eyes widened in shock and her mouth dropped open once again.

"You...you really..."

Ari struggled to get the words out. It seemed as if all the air that once filled her lungs had just disappeared, rendering her unable to breathe, let alone speak.

"You really mean it?" she finally managed to ask.

He glared at her. "Of course I meant it!" he exclaimed, "Why would I say something if I didn't mean it?! Insolent girl," he muttered, glancing out of the window.

When he looked back up at Ari, he found that she was bowing, bent at almost a ninety degree angle.

"T-thank you! Thank you so much, Mr. Kaiba! I am truly and utterly grateful!"

Seto was too shocked to say anything. For a few minutes, he just sat there, staring at her in stunned silence. He saw her begin to rise and he quickly changed his face back to its usual emotionless mask.

He could now see that she was openly smiling at him. He glared at her once more.

"What are you still doing here?"

"Oh," she began, her smile faltering a little, "I am sorry, Mr. Kaiba," she bowed once more. "I will get back to my work now, sir."

Ari turned and headed for the door. Before she could walk out, though, Seto spoke again.

"I'm sorry."

She halted, very confused. She thought she had heard Seto Kaiba, one of the most respected and well-known men in the corporate industry, just apologize to her. But that couldn't have been the case. She turned back towards him, a questioning look on her face, just to find him glaring at her again.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" he asked, "Get back to work."

Ari let out a small squeak and scampered out of the room.

Finally sure that she was gone, Seto blew out a long breath. That had been one of the hardest things he had ever had to do. But, surprisingly, it had felt...good. The look of absolute joy on her face had made it all worth it. She had looked so happy, which was definitely better than the sorrow he had seen briefly. And her smile. She had looked so much better with a smile on her face. She had looked cute, even-

Wait a minute, he said to himself, startled at his own thoughts, How could I possibly think about someone like that, especially someone who works for me?

He shook the thought from his head. He knew he couldn't possibly thought of something like that. At least now, he wouldn't have to worry about talking to her about something so personal with her again.

Ari literally ran back to the elevators doors just managing to contain herself until the doors openend and she was inside once more. Now in a place where no one else could hear her, she began to laugh with joy. She leaned against the wall and slowly sank down to the floor, still laughing. Finally, she had to stop to take in a few deep breaths. She composed herself as the elevator descended even further. She took a few more deep breaths in an attempt to slow her rapidly beating heart. She stood up, straightening her clothes and hair just in time. The doors opened to reveal another young woman, undoubtedly on her way to work.

Even though she tried, Ari could not conceal all the signs of her joy. A small but powerful smile remained on her face, and this did not go unnoticed by the other woman. She was surprised that the girl in front of her looked so happy. The elevator had just come down from the top floor, the office of Mr. Kaiba himself. In a best case scenario, people would come down looking frightened. In a worst case scenario, they would come down in tears. Never had anyone come down looking as happy as this girl did.

Ari quickly exited the elevator as the other woman entered. She hadn't felt this good in a long time. And it was an exhilarating experience.

Phew! Alright, that may have actually been my longest chapter, and it was definitely one of the best yet!!! So, remember, please leave a review, suggestion, or some constructive criticism. Everything but flames are accepted.

Talk to you peeps later!!